Acetylcholine calms the heartbeat by activating Gi-coupled receptors and G-protein-activated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels. It also dampens the GIRK current by reducing PIP2 through Gq-coupled receptors. These two types of receptors seem to be engaged in an intriguingly specific form of crosstalk, which leads to desensitization of the GIRK current.
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Jan, L., Jan, Y. Heartfelt crosstalk: desensitization of the GIRK current. Nat Cell Biol 2, E165–E167 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/35023646
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/35023646
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